Mauna Loa Volcano and Ka Lae, Hawaii – February 4th, 2010

The full version of this orthorectified image stretches from the northernmost point of the island of Hawaii, across the volcano of Mauna Loa, to Ka Lae (or South Point), the southernmost point on the island.

As one may suppose from the area occupied by the volcano in the full image, it is the largest volcano on earth. This active shield volcano has a volume of about 18,000 cubic miles (75,000 km³), although it is not the highest peak on the island.

Ka Lae, also known as South Point, is the southernmost point on the Big Island of Hawaii as well as the southernmost point of the 50 United States. A confluence of ocean currents just offshore makes this spot one of Hawaii’s most popular fishing spots, although dangerous for swimming. The confluence of currents also means the area is prone to accumulation of marine debris.